Trump's Man In Colombia

Popping up in a bulletproof booth wearing Colombia’s yellow soccer jersey, fist pumping the air, Abelardo De La Espriella roars to crowds of thousands, “Your tiger is here!” Just a few months ago, he was virtually unknown, traveling through Latin America — and hanging around President Trump’s golf club near Miami — trying to make connections and drum up support. Now, Mr. De La Espriella, 47, could be elected the next president of Colombia, one of the largest economies in Latin America and historically Washington’s closest ally in the region. After winning the most votes in the first round, he faces a left-wing senator, Iván Cepeda, in a runoff on Sunday. Mr. De La Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer and businessman with no political experience, seemingly came out of nowhere, propelled by a self-financed populist campaign, a social media blitz and, recently, an endorsement from Mr. Trump. He has divided Colombians. Supporters say his combative energy is needed to defeat cocaine-trafficking groups, while critics warn of an authoritarian threat, as Mr. De La Espriella pledges to “disembowel the left” and ruthlessly pursue opponents with the help of the United States. Many on both sides are still asking: Who is this man? President Trump endorsed Abelardo De La Espriella, the conservative presidential candidate in Sunday’s election who has strong U.S. ties. By Annie CorrealPatricia Mazzei and Jorge Valencia Annie Correal and Jorge Valencia reported from Bogotá, Colombia, and Patricia Mazzei from Miami. June 20, 2026 Leer en español Popping up in a bulletproof booth wearing Colombia’s yellow soccer jersey, fist pumping the air, Abelardo De La Espriella roars to crowds of thousands, “Your tiger is here!” Just a few months ago, he was virtually unknown, traveling through Latin America — and hanging around President Trump’s golf club near Miami — trying to make connections and drum up support. Now, Mr. De La Espriella, 47, could be elected the next president of Colombia, one of the largest economies in Latin America and historically Washington’s closest ally in the region. After winning the most votes in the first round, he faces a left-wing senator, Iván Cepeda, in a runoff on Sunday. Mr. De La Espriella, a criminal defense lawyer and businessman with no political experience, seemingly came out of nowhere, propelled by a self-financed populist campaign, a social media blitz and, recently, an endorsement from Mr. Trump. He has divided Colombians. Supporters say his combative energy is needed to defeat cocaine-trafficking groups, while critics warn of an authoritarian threat, as Mr. De La Espriella pledges to “disembowel the left” and ruthlessly pursue opponents with the help of the United States. Many on both sides are still asking: Who is this man? https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/20/world/americas/colombia-election-abelardo-de-la-espriella.html?unlocked_article_code=1.rlA.i4Jx.68wwK0r32Xb6&smid=url-share